Presentations-Week 04/19/10-04/23/10

Mark Milton-Online Enabled Environmental Activism and Computer-mediated communications.
Mark’s proposed that cyberspace gives online communities the ability to become more aware of current environmental issues and provide a new platform for activism. I thought his idea was interesting in that Ecosnoop is a new form of “Watch Dog” entity that uses a digital platform to promote environmentalism. This is not a new idea but a re-invented concept of activism. The EPA, USFW, Green Peace, and many other watch dog’s now have a new platform in which to advocate. Mark indicated the use of electronic lobbying; live web casts, unofficial websites, email, online communities, and eliminates dependence on mainstream media. I would suggest exploring how Ecosnoop works, why it works, and how it given transparency to the global issue of environmental contamination and exploitation. It would be interesting to know what, if any, Ecosnoop has control over. I think the presentation was good and Mark brought something educational to the class.

Sara Fuentes-Presenting yourself differently
I thought her presentation was good and she had a lot of information for her paper. Looking at the virtual extensions of self compared to meat space is interesting in that we get to take a critical view of ourselves. In meat space we don’t carry the big mirror around and compare ourselves nor look at our portrayal of self. I think exploring representation of self in both spaces is important for her paper but I would explore why it is so different. Is our exposure more important in the VR space? I like the fact that Sara is targeting student opinions as well. Practical data brings validity to the argument. I think Sara did a good job with her presentation and research.

Cassie Lane-SM sites in the classroom/ Elementary ed. Major
Argument-Woogiworld and A Really different place should be used by teachers to enhance learning, in different content areas. Also draw students who normally are not engaged. I like the goals of these models in that kids lack many of the fundamentals. I think both sites are a good comparison to internet learning and I especially like that the learning components of government. I think it is a good proposal and I would look for collaborative sites that show outcomes from internet learning tools. I would also focus on Julie’s suggestion to state why these sites are good models and focusing on the teacher perspective. For the opposing I wonder if their argument against has to do with the demographics (age of opposing) or just a change in traditional models. Good presentation!

Dena Lacey-Social Media-Cyber Bullying
Social Media lacks privacy settings and is complicated with legal issues, copyright infringements, defamation of characters, and cyber bullying. Dena stated that regulation and enforcement is the biggest obstacle to overcome on a global scale. Whose job is it to police or regulate privacy issues? Governing body? Collaborative responsibility? She supports her argument with a broad scope though. The focus is on the Communications Decency Act-Amends federal code-Section 230, Megan Myers Cyber bullying act, Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and Phoebe Price case. Her argument is that there is no one to govern or enforce cyber bullying. I like where she is headed but I would focus on one issue and work with that. To play Devil’s advocate-I would say the first amendment protects the very essence of free speech. How is cyber bullying any different that promoting or expressing who or what you are? Of course it is wrong to bully anyone! But if we are to believe that: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances (Wikipedia), then how can anyone enact a governmental agency to protect against what is published or said on the net? Will a cyber law or entity enacted to prohibit bullying infringe upon or protect anyone’s rights? I think your argument will have to be real clear to convince the reader that enforcement should include a governmental entity. The first amendment is a good opposing argument in itself. I would take the stand to argue my point, and if it upsets the first amendment folks, then I think it would be a successful argument! Some interesting thoughts: http://www.edjurist.com/blog/some-preliminary-thoughts-on-cyber-bullying-and-the-first-am.html Good presentation!

Michelle Assink-Interfaces and designs are helping seamless transition to the virtual space.
Human Computer interaction-I found this interesting in that we do treat our machines with a humanistic approach. The implications on our culture is fascinating. Showing the emotional involvement and how it begins to blur the boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds will give credence to the argument. The examples of Second life and the interface that transform things to 3D are good. I think the cultural implications and how interfaces are being used is a good focal point. Good presentation!

Brittany Bogenreif-Mobile location-based advertising
Direct Marketing-The changes in how marketing is approached through mobile technology is interesting. The shift from the traditional snail mail, catalogs, kiosks, mailings and coupon advertisements to mobile locations-phones, internet, using GPS technology shows how profound the change has become. I think Brittany is on the right path with the focus on digital platforms and why location based interaction is revolutionary. I found very useful stuff in this study by IBM for marketing strategies and here is the link: ftp://public.dhe.ibm.com/common/ssi/pm/xb/n/gbe03189usen/GBE03189USEN.PDF

Mark Belben-Argument-World of Warcraft
Blizzard? Allow players to have more access. I found this an interesting topic as I have not played but have watched my nephew. So with limited understanding of the topic I found Blizzard’s changes WWC to make game appeal appealing. The game pushes the learning curve-Forcing players to rely on 3rd party sites. Well, I can see how important the issue is by Mark’s enthusiasm. I think he is on the right track and not knowing enough about the game, I can only say Good Presentation! I think you’re well prepared and informed.

Chris-Digital Divide fragmentation will grow in cyberspace.
Community fragmentation-Perpetuates the digital divide because rigidity of concepts, communities don’t intermingle, and isolation in the electronic village. I like the exploration of the divide being different by the way technology. I never thought of infrastructure of technology changing the divide so much as creating a bigger hole. I don’t think the Utopia will ever happen, and the tools developed in the future shed a different light on how they will affect cultures are fascinating. I wonder if the divide is closable after a certain point, and what does that mean for technology. Great presentation!